Unfortunately, optical vision disorders rarely remain constant over time. Correcting with glasses should ensure optimal visual acuity by adapting to changes in your eyes. For example, if near vision decreases due to the natural thickening of the lens and the decreasing ability to accommodate it with age, the strength of the spectacle lens gradually changes. More correction is needed, with this process starting on average at 35-40 years of age and peaking at 60-65 years of age. Signs indicating the need for stronger lenses include the tendency to hold text further away for reading and the positioning of glasses on the bridge of the nose. For people who work simultaneously at a computer as well as with printed text or on the phone, desk glasses can be a great solution. These combine positive lenses of different strengths, providing a smooth transition between focuses so that vision is clear at both near and medium distances. However, even these glasses require adjustments over the years.
Myopia progression in children and adolescents
In children and teenagers, myopia can progress rapidly, requiring glasses to be changed every 3-6 or 12 months, depending on the rate of progression. It is important to note that young children rarely complain of decreasing vision, perceiving the gradual changes as normal. This is a worrying sign, indicating overstraining of the eyes and their inability to cope with the intense visual demands. With long-term daily overuse, the eye may become more myopic. This requires stronger lenses. Today, however, there are glasses specially designed for children and teenagers that stabilize the eye and slow the progression of myopia. For example, Hoya’s MiyoSmart glasses, available in our optician, can reduce the progression of myopia by up to 60%.
Glasses for farsightedness
Patients of all ages with farsightedness may need glasses to achieve clear vision. In young children, mild farsightedness is normal and the eye compensates automatically. However, if farsightedness exceeds the eye’s ability to compensate, glasses are essential to ensure clear vision and to allow the brain to perceive this clarity as normal. These glasses require periodic adjustments as the eyes grow and change. As the child grows, the distance between the eyes increases, requiring larger frames. If the vision remains blurred until the age of 9, the brain may take this blurred vision as normal, a phenomenon known as amblyopia or ‘lazy eye’.
When to change your glasses?
Changing glasses is not only necessary because of changes in visual parameters, but also because of natural wear of the lenses or frames. Scratches, loosening of nose pads or damage to the arms of the glasses can affect the correct position of the glasses, reducing the effectiveness of optical correction. We therefore recommend regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist. In children, a detailed ophthalmologic check-up in the first year of life (twice) is essential, followed by annual or more frequent visits if there are any disorders that require monitoring. Signs that may indicate vision problems in young children include rubbing the eyes, frequent blinking, looking too close to the TV or bending over when reading or drawing. Taking care of eye health starts with a specialist consultation. Schedule an appointment now at our clinic and give your eyes the attention they deserve!
